Royal Albert Hall’s CEO appointed as Trustee

We are delighted to announce that Chris Cotton has been appointed to the Museum’s Board of Trustees.

Chris is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Albert Hall, a post he has held since 2009. He also serves as Chair of the Exhibition Road Cultural Group; Chair of Jerwood Space; and a Director of Julie’s Bicycle, an environmental sustainability charity working with the arts and creative industries.

As CEO of the Royal Albert Hall, Chris has led the organisation through a period of unprecedented growth, overseeing the development of a wide and ambitious musical and events programme, and attracting leading artists and performers from across the world. An area of particular focus for Chris whilst at the Royal Albert Hall has been education and outreach work, particularly with children and young people. An architect by training, Chris spearheaded several major development projects at the Hall, including infrastructure, expansion and improvement works to the Grade 1 listed building. After seven years overseeing the Hall’s development as a world-leading live events location, he is due to retire from his role as CEO in March 2017.

Speaking about the appointment, Chris said: ‘I am delighted to have the privilege to help Larissa Joy and fellow trustees, and Director Caro Howell, maximise the Museum’s assets and resources, which they do now to such good effect; not just through the collections and exhibitions, but reaching out through learning activities for families, schools and community groups.’

Larissa Joy, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Chris to the Board of the Foundling Museum. Chris’s expertise in audience development, outreach and education, and his understanding of music of all genres, will be an invaluable addition to the strength of the Museum’s Board of Trustees, as will his commitment to environmental sustainability and his knowledge of architecture. Chris has led the Royal Albert Hall through a vital period in its development as an iconic part of Britain’s cultural life and we are thrilled that Chris is joining us at this exciting period in the Museum’s growth and development. We very much look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead.’